Detroit Institute of Arts wants tax for support

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Institute of Arts wants area residents this year to authorize a tax to help maintain the museum's operations. The Detroit News reported that museum officials have discussed the possibility of a tax in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to bring in about $23 million a year. The funding model would be similar to how the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak gets support. The tax idea has been in the works since at least 2010. Museum board member Nettie Seabrooks says Detroit's financial crisis adds to the urgency of getting such support. She says additional cuts to the cultural institution's budget will "destroy our museum." The newspaper reports the tax being considered would cost owners of $200,000 homes $20 a year. Published: Wed, Feb 29, 2012